Review: Chewing Gum (Season 1, Episode 1)

Chewing gum is a beautiful piece of pop art, with some hilarious situational comedy that will have you reaching for the 'next episode' button.

8

Michaela Coel’s new comedy drama Chewing Gum is a bright and colourful explosion of sex and relationships, full of original characters and tongue in cheek humour.

Set against the backdrop of a London estate, episode one introduces us to Tracey, a down to earth and endearing 24 year old who longs for her devoutly Christian boyfriend to take their relationship to the next level. Along the way we meet Tracy’s younger sister and mother, and an array of her friends and neighbours, all of whom have the potential to blossom into fantastically funny characters as the series progresses.

While not for the faint of heart (episode one doesn’t shy away from the naughty scenes!), with such a large array of diverse people, from poets to shop-workers, to biblical fanatics, to raunchy mums who don’t mind taking their tops off at a party, the series can’t help but grab your attention with its fast paced storyline and laugh out loud one-liners.

Chewing Gum’s fresh and quick humour works to balance the more serious lessons about consent in the episode, while Tracey’s bestie offers some wise words to the audience, “you can bang someone on Tinder – it’s free!… if in doubt, get ya tits out!”

The show undoubtedly has an unusual, modern spark that should appeal to those in their late teens and early twenties, without that cringey aftertaste that accompanies so many young adult comedies.